Glacier National Park (Loop Brook)

Glacier National Park, in the Selkirk and Purcell Mountain Ranges of southeast British Columbia, is appropriately named since over 10% of the park area is permanently covered with snow and ice. This is a world of rugged mountain peaks and narrow valleys covered with lush forests of hemlock, cedar, and Douglas fir. The park receives a high level of precipitation each year, making for cool rainy summers and mild snowy winters. The moist climate created a unique ecosystem known as the Interior Rainforest. There are 11 hiking trails at this park, ranging from an easy 1-km stroll to multi-day backpacking expeditions into the mountainous wilderness. In addition, there are 5 interpretive trails which are easily accessible from Highway 1 and offer a sample of the park’s treasures, such as stands of old-growth trees, ancient boulders, views of glaciers, and railway history. Rogers Pass has been designated a National Historic Site in recognition of its key role in completion of the railway link between Montreal and Vancouver. The pass is now home to Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, which contains a park information centre, a theatre, and displays about railway history, avalanches, and nature. Rogers Pass area is famous for its fine powder snow during the winter months, and is popular for heli-skiing and ski touring. However, the area is extremely prone to avalanches, and an advanced avalanche monitoring and control program is in effect at this park to keep park visitors and drivers on Highway 1 safe.

Operation Dates

Campground dates with full fees and services: July 1 - Labour Day.

Facilities

Vehicle Accessible Camping

There are 20 vehicle-accessible campsites.

Walk-in / Wilderness Camping

Random camping is permitted beyond 5 km from pavement. Glacier has three designated backcountry campsites on the Bald Hills, above the Copperstain Trail: Copperstain Pass, Caribou Pass and 20-mile. Each has tent pads and food storage poles to place food out of reach of bears. Open fires are not permitted in the backcountry. Backcountry campers require a Wilderness Pass, which is available at $9.00 per person per night.

Cabins

There are 4 backcountry cabins which may be reserved by contacting the park office at 250-837-7500.

Campfires

Campfires are permitted at this campground. Anyone who wishes to have a campfire must purchase a fire permit ($8.80 per day). The fire permit includes firewood.

Activities

Fishing

Fishing is possible in the lakes at Glacier National Park, but is not very productive. A fishing ban is in effect for all streams. Anyone who plans to fish at this park must purchase a special national park fishing licence.

Hiking

There are 11 hiking trails at this park, ranging from an easy 1-km stroll to multi-day backpacking expeditions into the mountainous wilderness.

Climbing

Glacier National Park is the birthplace of North American alpinism. The park encompasses the Hermit Range, the Bonney and Bostock Groups, the Van Horne Range, Purity Range, Dawson Range, and the Sir Donald Range. Climbs are on rock, snow, and ice and range from beginning to challenging in difficulty. For more information on routes, conditions and applicable fees, please contact the Rogers Pass Centre at 250-814-5232.

Caving

The Nakimu Caves, totalling 5.9 km in length, can be reached by hiking three to four hours up and over a mountain pass from Highway 1 just west of Rogers Pass. Visitors who wish to access the caves must join a commercial trip or apply for their own permit by contacting the park office. Parties must consist of six to twelve people, and be led by experienced cavers. Allow two weeks for processing.

Wildlife Watching

There are opportunities to see mountain goats, bears, beavers, muskrats, and a variety of birds at Glacier National Park.

Winter Recreation

Glacier National Park is famous for its deep powder snow. Visitors to the park will find ski touring terrain including glades, alpine bowls and icefields where descents of more than 1500 metres are possible. All ski destinations in the park require knowledge of travel in avalanche terrain. Skiers are urged to wear avalanche transceivers and be prepared for self-rescue.

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